Cars For Sale Online Talk Of Auto Show Circuit

Auto Industry Innovation

Cars For Sale Online

While there are many startups looking to break through the conservative approach of the auto industry (Carvan, Beepi, vinadvisor), there has not been great progress using digital and social channels to sell vehicles online.  That is changing now, as is apparent to the many people attending auto shows, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.

What does it look like to buy a car in 2016?

It’s researching cars online from home, then taking virtual test drives on a computer or phone. It’s reading reviews from experts and other consumers, then texting or emailing with dealerships to find the right one.

Then maybe you go in to see the car. Or maybe you just have it delivered to your driveway.

“I have a sales manager who did a deal completely via text,” said Richard Dimmitt Jr., co-president of Clearwater’s Dimmitt Automotive Group. “He never even met (the client) until he came in to drop off the check.”

Dealerships from throughout Tampa Bay are on hand this weekend for the Tampa International Auto Show, which kicked off Friday. Beyond the fancy features like self-parking cars, or vehicles that can interact with the driver’s cellphone or can sense when the car in front is braking, dealerships are adjusting to a new era in car sales.

And the traditional digital giants and major players are very excited about this development…

Derek Humphrey, Google’s account executive who works exclusively with General Motors Co., told a crowd Friday morning that consumers purchasing a car this year on average visited 1.6 car dealerships. In 2013, the average was five.

“They walk in already knowing what they want. ? Some will even have the VIN ready,” he said, referring to the vehicle identification number. More than ever, car dealerships and manufacturers have to appeal to Web-savvy consumers, he urged a group of local Chevrolet dealers on Friday morning. “You have to be able to get their attention online.”

He reiterated a statement from a former Hyundai executive who said many consumers would prefer a root canal to buying a new car.

Vinadvisor has been spending considerable time and effort developing the conversation around car buying online through branded content marketing and auto influencer campaigns we couldn’t be happier others are getting on board.

originally published on http://vinadvisor.net